Post Nasal Drip: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Post nasal drip, also known as upper airway mucus secretion, is a condition characterized by the excessive flow of mucus from the nasal passages into the throat.

This occurs when the nasal mucosa produces more mucus than usual, often due to allergies, sinus infections, or environmental irritants such as pollution and tobacco smoke. If left untreated, post nasal drip can lead to complications like respiratory infections, sore throats, and difficulty swallowing.

To alleviate post nasal drip, herbal remedies like thyme, eucalyptus, and slippery elm can be used. Thyme has antimicrobial properties, while eucalyptus helps to thin mucus, and slippery elm soothes the mucous membranes.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of post nasal drip, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of post nasal drip?

The main causes of post nasal drip are various and multifaceted, involving both physiological and pathological factors.

Anatomical issues such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps, and enlarged turbinate bones can obstruct the nasal passage and lead to post nasal drip. Allergies, specifically those caused by exposure to allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander, can also trigger the release of mucus. Infections like sinusitis, common cold, and flu can cause an overproduction of mucus, leading to post nasal drip.

Furthermore, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also contribute to the condition by allowing stomach acid to flow up into the throat and irritate the nasal passages.

• Allergies: Allergies trigger the release of histamine, which stimulates the nasal mucosa, leading to increased mucus production and post nasal drip.
• Cold: A viral upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold, causes inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, leading to excess mucus production and post nasal drip.
• Sinusitis: Sinusitis, an infection or inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, causes nasal congestion and excess mucus production, leading to post nasal drip.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can lead to increased mucus production and post nasal drip.
• Anatomical Abnormalities: Anatomical abnormalities, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, can cause nasal congestion and excess mucus production, leading to post nasal drip.
• Acid Reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, can cause stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus and throat, irritating the nasal mucosa and leading to post nasal drip.
• Overuse of Nasal Decongestants: Overuse of nasal decongestants can lead to rebound congestion, causing the nasal passages to become dependent on the medication and leading to post nasal drip.
• Tobacco Smoke: Exposure to tobacco smoke can cause inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages, leading to excess mucus production and post nasal drip.
• Environmental Irritants: Exposure to environmental irritants, such as pollution, dust, or chemicals, can cause inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages, leading to post nasal drip.
• Nasal Irrigants: Excessive use of nasal irrigants can cause irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to excess mucus production and post nasal drip.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for post nasal drip?

The main medicinal herbs used for post nasal drip are Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea purpurea, Zingiber officinale, Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Sambucus nigra, Ginkgo biloba, Ephedra sinica, Lavandula angustifolia, Piper nigrum.

Eucalyptus globulus, through its expectorant properties, helps to thin and clear mucus from the nasal passages. Echinacea purpurea's immunomodulatory effects may aid in alleviating post nasal drip by boosting the body's natural defenses against infection. Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages, while Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, exhibits antimicrobial activity that can help combat infections.

Additionally, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Sambucus nigra, Ginkgo biloba, Ephedra sinica, Lavandula angustifolia, and Piper nigrum, among others, have been traditionally used to alleviate post nasal drip due to their decongestant, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with post nasal drip due to its eucalyptol content, which acts as a natural expectorant, thinning mucus and facilitating its expulsion from the respiratory tract.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea may help alleviate post nasal drip symptoms by modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, helps with post nasal drip due to its gingerols and shogaols, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to reduce congestion and promote mucus clearance.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris, or thyme, helps with post nasal drip due to its thymol content, which has antimicrobial properties, reducing the growth of microorganisms that can exacerbate respiratory issues and promote mucus production.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, helps with post nasal drip due to its glycyrrhizin content, which exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses and alleviating post nasal drip symptoms.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra, or elderberry, may help alleviate post nasal drip symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system, although its exact mechanism of action is not well understood.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate post nasal drip symptoms by improving blood flow to the nasal passages and sinuses, reducing inflammation and promoting the clearance of mucus.
• Ephedra sinica: Ephedra sinica, or ephedra, helps with post nasal drip due to its ephedrine content, which acts as a decongestant, reducing nasal congestion and promoting the clearance of mucus.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender, may help alleviate post nasal drip symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can contribute to the development of respiratory issues and post nasal drip.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum, or black pepper, helps with post nasal drip due to its piperine content, which exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses and alleviating post nasal drip symptoms.

What are the main herbal preparations used for post nasal drip?

The main herbal preparations used for post nasal drip are Decoction, Tincture, Lozenges, Capsules, Salve, Elixir, Gargle, Suppository, Ointment, Tea.

Decoction involves boiling herbs like Thyme, Echinacea, and Slippery Elm in water to create a soothing liquid that reduces inflammation and loosens mucus. Tincture, typically made from herbs like Echinacea, Goldenseal, and Sage, can be taken sublingually to stimulate the immune system and reduce nasal congestion. Lozenges and Capsules, often containing herbs like Marshmallow, Licorice root and Thyme, can be used to soothe the throat and promote expectoration, while Salve and Ointment can be applied topically to the nasal passages to reduce inflammation.

Herbal teas like Thyme, Echinacea and Slippery Elm are also consumed to provide relief from post nasal drip symptoms.

• Decoction: A decoction of Echinacea purpurea helps with post nasal drip by increasing the body's immune response and reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, thus alleviating the symptoms of post nasal drip.
• Tincture: A tincture of Eucalyptus globulus helps with post nasal drip by releasing its active compounds, eucalyptol and camphor, which have decongestant and antimicrobial properties that help clear nasal passages and reduce the production of excess mucus.
• Lozenges: Lozenges containing Thymus vulgaris help with post nasal drip by providing an anti-inflammatory effect in the throat and soothing the mucous membranes, which reduces the discomfort caused by post nasal drip.
• Capsules: Capsules containing Glycyrrhiza glabra help with post nasal drip by providing an anti-inflammatory effect in the nasal passages and throat, which reduces the production of excess mucus and alleviates the symptoms of post nasal drip.
• Salve: A salve containing Mentha piperita helps with post nasal drip by providing a topical anti-inflammatory effect on the nasal passages and sinuses, which reduces the production of excess mucus and alleviates the symptoms of post nasal drip.
• Elixir: An elixir containing Echinacea purpurea helps with post nasal drip by increasing the body's immune response and reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, thus alleviating the symptoms of post nasal drip.
• Gargle: A gargle solution containing Salvia officinalis helps with post nasal drip by reducing the inflammation in the throat and soothing the mucous membranes, which reduces the discomfort caused by post nasal drip.
• Suppository: A suppository containing Aloe barbadensis helps with post nasal drip by providing a topical anti-inflammatory effect on the nasal passages and sinuses, which reduces the production of excess mucus and alleviates the symptoms of post nasal drip.
• Ointment: An ointment containing Eucalyptus globulus helps with post nasal drip by releasing its active compounds, eucalyptol and camphor, which have decongestant and antimicrobial properties that help clear nasal passages and reduce the production of excess mucus.
• Tea: A tea containing Thymus vulgaris helps with post nasal drip by providing an anti-inflammatory effect in the throat and soothing the mucous membranes, which reduces the discomfort caused by post nasal drip.